Pope Leo has named Rev. Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, a Dominican‑born priest ordained in 2004 and known for supporting immigrant rights, as bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach, which includes Mar‑a‑Lago. Rodríguez says he was surprised by the appointment but is ready to serve the diocese and its people. He signaled the Church’s willingness to work with public officials on immigration policy while opposing enforcement that targets young children. The U.S. bishops have also called for immigration reform that balances human dignity and national security.
Pope Leo Names Pro-Immigration Pastor Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez As Bishop Of Palm Beach, Diocese That Includes Mar‑a‑Lago
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
Pope Leo has appointed Rev. Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez — a pastor known for his support of immigrant rights — as the new bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida, the jurisdiction that includes President Donald Trump’s Mar‑a‑Lago estate.
On Friday, the pope selected Rodríguez, who serves as pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Queens, New York. A native of the Dominican Republic, Rodríguez was ordained a priest in 2004 and has been described by colleagues and observers as an advocate for immigrants and pastoral care for vulnerable families.
Reaction and Priorities
In an interview with the Associated Press, Rodríguez said he was surprised by the appointment and humbled by the responsibility. "I never, never, never expected anything even close to this," he told the AP, adding that he felt "a little bit scared," but trusts "in God’s assistance." He described the diocese as "a diocese of hard-working priests and hard-working people," and said he is committed to serving and supporting them.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has called for nations to respect the human dignity of immigrants while acknowledging nations must enforce their borders.
"The president is doing really good things, not only for the United States, but for the world. But when it comes to the migrant, the immigration policy, we want to help," Rodríguez said. "We want to assist the president as a church because we believe that we can do better… than the way we’re doing this right now."
Rodríguez also emphasized a pastoral stance toward children and families affected by immigration enforcement: "When it comes to enforcing immigration laws, we shouldn’t be enforcing them by focusing on deporting 5‑year‑olds, 12‑year‑olds, 9‑year‑old kids, people that have never committed any crime," he said.
Context From U.S. Bishops
In November, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a statement urging immigration reform that upholds the dignity of all persons, including immigrants. The bishops called for meaningful changes to U.S. immigration laws and procedures and emphasized that human dignity and national security are not mutually exclusive.
The USCCB statement acknowledged that governments have a responsibility to regulate borders and maintain an orderly system for the common good, while warning that the absence of safe, legal pathways increases the risks of trafficking and exploitation for migrants.
Rodríguez’s appointment places a bishop with a public pro-immigration reputation at the head of a diocese that overlaps with a high‑profile presidential property. He has signaled a willingness to engage with civic leaders on immigration concerns while maintaining a pastoral focus on protecting vulnerable children and families.
